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COLUMBUS, OHIO – As far as the most 15 populous cities in the United States, Columbus has earned a unique distinction. It just so happens to have the lowest average cremation cost among them. The typical price for cremation here is $2, 747. This is according to the data at finder.com which is a site that helps users make smart financial decision.

When it comes to regular burials, Columbus is also the second most affordable on average at $5,737. This comes just after Los Angeles for cheapest in the country.

All the data for this study was gathered and studied in August of 2018, according Nicole Gallina, a communications coordinator for finder.com. The numbers for the study also incorporate the total cost of a memorial service and a wake, Gallina clarified.

Michael Schoedinger, president of Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Services, which has a total of 14 locations in the Ohio area, credits this odd Columbus distinction to the fact that all the funeral homes and crematoriums in Columbus are family run operations and not big chains.

“We’re blessed to have funeral home owners in Columbus who love what they’re doing and get their fulfillment helping families on the toughest days of their lives,” Schoedinger said. “They’re not just worried about collecting their money.”

At Schoedinger a cremation and memorial costs on average between $3,000 and $4,000. This price depends on things like flowers, catering or an open-casket viewing in advance of cremation. As for normal burial services,  the cost can run between $5,000 and $15,000 with the gap contingent on things like catering and the choice of more expensive caskets.